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Diversity and variety abound in California’s largest city. Beyond its history of industrialism and glam, Los Angeles is a hiker’s paradise unique to its desert climate and mountainous terrain. Though rush hour traffic should be enough to drive most away, Los Angeles’ breathtaking mountain and ocean vistas, unbeatable weather and sandy beaches provide an easily accessible treat to some of the most impressive ocean view hikes on the West Coast. Though thousands of trails exist in the Los Angeles area, five capture the city's best vistas particularly well.

Temescal Canyon

For broad coastal vistas and arguably the most verdant canyon in Los Angeles, there is no beating Temescal Canyon Loop. The trail begins in Temescal Gateway Park, off Sunset Boulevard in scenic Pacific Palisades, and it is relatively easy to follow. There are two trail heads for the loop, the Ridge Trail and the Canyon Trail, which are both legs of the loop. Take the Canyon Trail up and the Ridge Trail down. The Ridge Trail provides full ocean and city vistas, and the Canyon Trail closes the loop via a canyon hike. The total elevation of the loop hike is 1,000 feet over a distance of 2.6 miles, which can be lengthened if you hike the extensions. As a bonus, continue to the appropriately named Skull Rock once you reach the top via a clearly marked 0.4-mile extension to the main loop.

Mugu Peak

When you reach Mugu Peak, you'll likely have a great feeling of accomplishment, with wide views of the Pacific coastline ahead and the conquered switchbacks behind. La Jolla Canyon Loop leads there, but it is no walk in the park. This hike is not for beginners. The 11.75-mile, 1,250-foot ascent loop begins in the La Jolla Canyon Day Use Area parking lot of Point Mugu State Park, via the Ray Miller Trail, and ends in the same area, via the La Jolla Canyon Trail. You'll arrive at Mugu Peak after 6.5 miles – a great opportunity for a scenic break. Don’t forget a camera and plenty of water.

Parker Mesa Overlook

A bench that affords a 180-degree panoramic vista, with views of the entire Los Angeles coastline, welcomes hikers at Parker Mesa Overlook. The trail is best categorized as moderate: For the experienced hiker it is a breeze, but for the beginner this hike is difficult, albeit doable. The most straightforward way to reach the overlook is to begin climbing the Los Liones Trail at the end of Los Liones Drive in Pacific Palisades. After 1.3 miles, make a left onto the East Topanga Fire Road, where another 2.6 miles provide jaw-dropping vistas from the overlook. The hike covers a total of 7.8 miles, with a 1,250-foot elevation.

Zuma Ridge

The Zuma Ridge Trail is extremely rewarding when the weather is right. On a clear day, this hike provides some of the best views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Coast simultaneously. From the Pacific Coast Highway, or California Route 1, turn north onto Busch Drive to access the parking lot and trail head. Getting there is easy, but Zuma Ridge Trail is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the steepest trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, with an unrelenting 2.7-mile, 1,500-foot ascent. That being said, fellow hikers are scarce on this trail, which makes the accomplishment of reaching the crest especially rewarding.

Corral Canyon

Corral Canyon Trail is a relaxed 2.5-mile loop through Corral Canyon State Park that offers some impressive views of coastal Malibu over lush chaparral shrubbery. The ocean views begin at the parking lot but only improve while ascending the canyon. To get there, park in the pay lot for Corral Canyon State Park or try to find street parking. The trail head is in this parking lot. When finished with the hike, walk to the other side of the parking lot for quick access to the beach.

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About the Author

Based in Los Angeles, Shai Ehrmann has written and edited for several travel publications since 2005, including featured articles in Pasadena Star-News and US Travel. His areas of expertise including hiking and outdoors, travel, music, science and art.

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